Twisty Murder Mystery Inspired by Real-Life PTO Feud Becomes Summer’s Must-Read

Four years ago, Hannah Selinger moved back to her home state of Massachusetts from New York, settling in the affluent town of Boxford. Shortly after relocating, she found herself in a gloves-off showdown with the local elementary school Parent Teacher Organization over a pay-to-play ticketing system that appeared to favor wealthier families with early-access perks. That conflict became the inspiration for her new book, Valley of the Moms.

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Featuring an absolutely irresistible cover, the novel is rooted in Selinger’s real-life experience, however, she shares in a recent essay published by People magazine that the story’s origin was just a thought starter and the narrative has since been exaggerated in the best way possible. A murder mystery set in an affluent New England suburb, Valley of the Moms pulls back the curtain on PTO drama and plays out like a saga akin to Liane Moriarty‘s Big Little Lies or Celeste Ng‘s Little Fires Everywhere.

“What would happen in a world where people would truly do anything to protect what they had worked for?” she poses in her magazine essay. 

Citing how far actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman went for their children in the Varsity Blues scandal, she adds, “Was it so unbelievable that the same aspirant, wealthy parents would consider murder as a next step if it was necessary in preserving what they considered precious to them? I didn’t think so.” This is where we cue the “dun-dun-duuuun” music.

Selinger also shares that she faced online bullying and criticism on social media for taking a firm stance against the PTO’s policies, even as she set out to turn the experience into a highly entertaining page-turner. 

“Like most of my work, my book reflects how I’ve experienced the real world,” she shares. “And it reflects, too, my love for this place: a New England I’ve long cherished and have wanted to bring to the page. I hope you love reading it as much as I’ve loved bringing it to life.” 

Primarily known for writing about food, wine, and the restaurant industry, Selinger published her memoir, Cellar Rat, last year. Valley of the Moms marks her debut novel. And as Barnes & Noble‘s June Book ClubPick and a Peoplemust-read for summer, it’s already shaping up to be a the standout beach read of the summer. Pick it up Tuesday, June 2. 

Valley of the Dolls is available for preorder at bookshop.org.

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